Federal Export Grain Inspection and Weighing Programs

An evaluation was made of the official inspection and weighing systems for U.S. grain being exported to foreign buyers as they are implemented at U.S. export locations. The systems are required by the Grain Standards Act of 1976 and are administered by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS).

Foreign buyers perceived some improvements in the quality and weights of U.S. grain shipments since the Act was passed. However, further improvements in the inspection and weighing programs are needed. The factors causing quality problems included: (1) a lack of standardization in the proportions of grain tested and the allowable amount of infestation; (2) a lack of procedures to ensure that all grain in a shipment was within grade requirements; (3) actual amounts of dockage in excess of the certified amount due to rounding procedures; and (4) grain standards that are too lenient. While the Act requires that all grain transferred into and out of an export elevator be officially weighed, grain companies oppose paying for the high cost of inbound weight supervision, particularly when the elevator already owns the arriving grain. However, GAO felt that weight supervision for the smaller truck and rail shipments could be reduced, with reasonable control over the accuracy of the weights being maintained. Many instances were noted where personnel were not performing their duties properly, and many deficiencies in the program can be attributed to the lack of proper training. The Department of Agriculture's formal complaint system is inadequate and a program which would provide systematic feedback of destination quality and weight data is needed for improved monitoring of shipments.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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